PREVALENCE AND PROFILE OF SEVERE ANAEMIA IN CHILDREN AGED 1 MONTH TO 14 YEARS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

BACKGROUND Anaemia is widely prevalent and is a major cause of morbidity. Globally anaemia affects 1.62 billion people which correspond to 24.8% of the population.((1)) The highest prevalence is seen in preschool-age children (47.4%), and the lowest prevalence is seen in men (12.7%). Various surveys including the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) have revealed that anaemia is highest in children 6-35 months of age. It is more common in rural areas as compared to urban population.((2)) Children, particularly infants living in developing countries are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases. Anaemia is widespread throughout India. Anaemia in young children is a serious concern because it can result in impaired cognitive performance, behavioural and motor development, coordination, language development, and scholastic achievement, as well as increased morbidity from infectious diseases.((3)) In addition children may develop lymph node enlargement, petechiae, ecchymosis or bleeding symptoms.((4)) MATERIALS AND METHODS It is a descriptive study of 200 children aged 1 month to 14 years, attending Department of Paediatrics. KGH, Vizag, with anaemia. Those with severe anaemia were subjected for further evaluation. All lab investigations pertaining to anaemia are done to know the prevalence of anaemia, various aetiological factors, distribution of anaemia by age and sex. Anaemia was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for the given age. Data was analysed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS Prevalence of anaemia in males is 53.6%, females is 46.3%, and prevalence of anaemia is more in males than in females in 0-12 yrs. age group. Significant history of presenting illness includes fever, pallor, which are the most common, and abdominal mass, history of previous transfusion, jaundice, siblings with similar complaints, facial puffiness, cough, respiratory distress and history suggestive of worm infestation are also seen. Most common positive examination finding in children with anaemia is splenomegaly followed by hepatomegaly. Jaundice, oedema, clubbing, lymphadenopathy, signs of tuberculosis, respiratory distress and signs of renal disease are other most common findings. Aetiological diagnosis in children aged 0-12 yrs. with anaemia are, malaria 31% thalassemia 18%, sickle cell anaemia 11%, iron deficiency anaemia 11%, anaemia of chronic disease 7%, sickle thalassemia 3%, malignancies 3%, sepsis 3%, dengue 2%, nephrotic syndrome 2%, dimorphic anaemia 2%, aplastic anaemia 2%, thalassemia intermedia 2% and others 4%. 9. Prevalence of history of requirement of transfusion in the present study is 50.7% and children who need more than one transfusion or those requiring regular transfusions is 32%. CONCLUSION. Anaemia is the most common co-morbid condition in children, with malaria, haemoglobinopathies and iron deficiency anaemia as the most common causes. Prevalence of anaemia and severe anaemia is more common after 6 years and is more common in girls.